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Following the success of previous years, the Hungarian University of Agricultural and Life Sciences has launched the Research Excellence Programme (KKP 2025) again this year, with 15 participants receiving funding. In his speech, Rector Dr. Csaba Gyuricza, praising the researchers participating in the programme, emphasised that the success of the individual is also the success of the university.   

The participants of the two-year Research Excellence Programme (KKP) will be eligible for a gross annual grant of HUF 2 million, which can be used freely, as well as research advice, professional events and support to increase their scientific visibility. Launched two years ago, the programme was such a success in its first edition that there was no question of continuing it. This year, for the third time, they were able to present a certificate of membership of the KKP. 21 people applied to the KKP 2025 call for applications, of which 15 were selected by the three-person evaluation committee to receive a grant. 

At the launch of the 2025 Programme on 10 February in Gödöllő, Dr. Csaba Gyuricza said that the Research Excellence Programme is a flagship of the MATE 2030 strategy. "When we conceived the Research Excellence Awards Programme, our fundamental aim was to support the excellence of individuals and research teams working here at MATE. However, it was also an objective to provide additional motivation for the research community," he said, adding that "the success of the individual is not only important to the individual, but also to the university. And if the university is successful, it is reflected in student applications, in funding, and we can use this extra funding for further research". In his speech, the Rector also pointed out that MATE supports research that is linked to the university's key directions: "These are all strategic objectives that relate to food production, climate change, the interconnection of disciplines, interdisciplinary research, and are of major importance from a social and economic point of view". 

Dr. Zoltán Kovács, Rector's representative for science strategy, Head of the Programme, after recalling the origins of the KKP and the challenges and experiences of the journey to date, said that in some aspects KKP 2025 is different from previous years' calls. He informed that the application criteria have been tightened. In addition to having an outstanding scientific record, applicants must also have at least three first or last author Q1 publications in the last three years and at least one research proposal submitted in the last five years. In his presentation, he also mentioned that there are now nearly 160 participants in the programme. He concluded: "We are planning to continue and would like to announce the next phase of the programme at the end of the year with a similar number of participants".   

The event continued with a professional meeting, where the members of Research Excellence and Flagship Research Groups Programmes (KKP and KKCS) met students of Future Leadership Programme (JVP). Read more. 

Aftermovie of the event on Facebook 

Aftermovie of the event on Youtube 

Photos and video by Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences